Rabbi eli Schlanger has been remembered as “much more than a rabbi” to his congregation in one of the first funerals held for a victim of the Bondi terror attack.
In a service on Wednesday attended by friends, family, members of the Jewish community and politicians, Schlanger, 41, was described as “a force” who died “doing what he loved best”.
Rabbi Aron Moss, who began the service, saeid schlanger was “more than a rabbi to his congregants”.
“He was a loving friend to his family. He was not just another family member. He was a mentor to his colleagues and friends.”
The London-born rabbi was the first of 15 victims to be named following Sunday’s attack on a Jewish community event to mark the first night of Hanukah in Archer Park, near Bondi beach. Schlanger was a key organiser of the Chanukah by the Sea event.
The father of five was farewelled at the Chabad of Bondi synagogue in Bondi where he worked as an assistant rabbi.
Schlanger’s father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, said holding the service in a synagogue, where funerals are not normally held, was a special honor for “a great leader among the Jewish people”.
Ulman addressed a tearful audience about the 41-year-old, who had recently become the father to a newborn son. Schlanger, who worked as a rabbi in Bondi for 18 years, has also been remembered for his work with Corrective Services NSW as a chaplain.
“Whatever I will say today will be such an understatement to what you meant to everyone, to your family, and to me personally,” said Ulman.
the service was one of several expected to take place on Wednesday for victims of Sunday’s attack. the NSW premier,Chris minns,attended Schlanger’s funeral,as did the NSW opposition leader,kellie Sloane.
Sydney mourns Victims of Bondi Junction Attack, Vows Resilience
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A packed synagogue in Sydney, Australia, held a funeral service on Monday for victims of the stabbing attack at Bondi Junction Westfield shopping center on Saturday, April 13, 2024. The attack, which left six people dead and several injured, has deeply shaken the Jewish community and the nation. The service was conducted in both Hebrew and English by different rabbis, with many mourners standing due to the overwhelming attendance.
A Community in Grief
The service acknowledged the profound loss felt by the community, with Rabbi Ulman stating that sydney’s Jewish community had experienced its own “7 October,” referencing the Hamas attacks in Israel. He specifically named some of the victims,including 10-year-old Matilda,the youngest to perish in the attack.Ulman also expressed concern for those still recovering in hospital.
Approximately 100 people who were unable to fit inside the synagogue gathered outside, with some watching the service via livestream. Many present observed Jewish mourning traditions, praying with tefillin – phylacteries containing Torah verses worn during prayer.
Solemn Procession and a Message of Strength
Following the service, a procession led by a ceremonial guard from Correctional Services accompanied the rabbi’s coffin. Mourners followed, singing in Hebrew. Rabbi Ulman concluded the service with a pledge of resilience, announcing plans for a gathering of rabbis and community members on Bondi Beach this Sunday to light eight candles. “We’re going to show the world that the Jewish people are unbeatable,” he declared.
The Attack and its Aftermath
The Bondi Junction attack unfolded on Saturday afternoon when a 40-year-old man, later identified as Joel Cauchi, began stabbing shoppers at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre. Police fatally shot Cauchi after he lunged at them. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, and while initially described as a terrorist act, new South Wales police Commissioner Karen Webb stated that while the attacker had a history of mental health issues, there was no indication of religious motivation or extremism. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/14/bondi-junction-stabbing-attack-what-we-know
The victims included eight people, with six fatalities: Ashlee Good, 38; Faraz tahir, 30; Yixuan Cheng, 25; Hani El-Sayed, 61; Matilda Perry, 10; and Jade Anthony, 31. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-15/bondi-junction-stabbing-victims-named/103798662 Several others were injured and remain in hospital.
Support Resources
If you are feeling distressed, support is available:
* Australia:
* Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
* Lifeline: 13 11 14 – https://www.lifeline.org.au/
* Griefline: 1300 845 745 – https://griefline.org.au/
* UK: Mind: 0300 123 3393 – https://www.mind.org.uk/
* International: Befrienders: https://www.befrienders.org/
date:2024-04-17 19:18:00
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